I created this graphic tips guide with a few simple rules to help presenters design better Powerpoint slide shows for video productions and videoconferences.

1. Effectively For Use in a Videoconference
The rules for producing successful computer graphic designs for video are the opposite of
desktop publishing. Choices in text, color, and design vary between the two because they
are very different mediums and different rules apply. Graphics for use on television
should conform to broadcast guidelines.
Sans serif typefaces (Helvetica, Arial) are more legible than serif typefaces because of
their clean letterforms. They are used where quick legibility is vital (street and highway
signs), or to catch one's attention with short bursts of type (newspaper headlines). Serif
typefaces (Times, Garamond) tend to be more readable for large amounts of text on
paper. However, they are ineffective to use as text on the video screen.
The most basic rules for preparing presentation materials are to Keep It Short and
Simple, and Keep It Large and Legible. The following tips should provide you with a
basic set of graphic guidelines.
1. Keep primary text in the center
Although "dead center" is usually an area to avoid in print media, viewers are used to
watching video this way. Don't crowd the screen, instead use several screens to focus
attention. Use a horizontal page format, and use six words per line and six lines per
screen {Rule of Six}. (Figure 1)
Vertical
TITLE SHOULD BE Visuals
44 - 48 PT SIZE
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Figure 1: Computer Screen Example
the TV
monitor
Larry Kless, Production Manager,
National Video Communications Services, Voice: 8-427-3956 or (510) 987-3956
Fax: (510) 873-5034 Email: Larry.Kless@ncal.kaiperm.org
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2. 2. Work within the STA (Safe Titling Area)
The STA is the cut off area for all screen images. The screen size between computers
and TV monitors is not equal, and things can be cut off if they get to close to the edges.
Leave at least a one inch border of empty space around each side of the page to be safe.
(Figure 2)
11”
TITLE CAN Text outside of the
•
BE ALL CAPS
S ame rule s as abo ve (Fig ure 1)
STA can be cut off
•
•
Blac k Te xt + White Bac kg ro und
No le s s than 30 Pt. body te xt
81/2 ”
when going from
the Computer to
• DON'T US E ALL CAPS
• Le ave an inc h bo rde r at edg e s
• Us e Lands c ape Orie ntation
the TV monitor
Figure 2: Hard Copy “Overheads” Example
Prepared in Landscape format
3. Avoid thin horizontal lines, single dots, busy patterns and finely detailed grids
Always use 2 Pt. lines or larger, thin lines just don't cut it. Lines need to be thick and bold
or they will flicker. Like thin lines, fine grids, patterns and dots cause flickering and
picture distortion also. Avoid shading on printed hard copy because it creates buzzing
patterns on camera. Supply details verbally, making charts and graphs simple (Figure 3) .
Also, use clip art and flow charts sparingly, remember less is more.
Make Charts and Call Ce nter
Graphs Simple
Symptomatic ~ Rx Refill ~ Appt Request
Member Departments
Call-in Results ~ Results Inquiry
100
Message types:
Member of Ca reteam
80
Careteam fulfills
60
message tasks
KP On-line Advice RN
40
20 Member
Access to
Lab
clinical info
Radiology and demographics
0 Transcript ion
Rx Refill
1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr Message
Ext ernal S ystem becomes
part of chart
Chart
Figure 3: Graphic Example Figure 3: Graphic Example
RIGHT WRONG
4. Avoid highly saturated colors
Chroma crawl can be seen when two neighboring colors (text and background) bleed
into each other. . The more saturated your colors are the more chroma crawl is added to
the image. Don't overdo your use of color.
AVOID USING RED or GREEN FOR TEXT
Larry Kless, Production Manager,
National Video Communications Services, Voice: 8-427-3956 or (510) 987-3956
Fax: (510) 873-5034 Email: Larry.Kless@ncal.kaiperm.org
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3. 5. Make text large and legible
• Use 32 Pt. for body text, and 40 - 48 Pt. for titles.
• Use no more than two typefaces per presentation
• Use drop shadows to add depth to text, drop shadows help separate text from the
background (Figure 1)
• DON'T USE ALL CAPS FOR BODY TEXT, IT'S TOO HARD TO READ!!
(see examples below and Text Tips section)
Bold, sans serif High contrast with
characters are white text on a
easier to read dark background
from a distance works best
DON’T USE ALL
CAPS FOR YOUR
TEXT, IT’S TOO
HARD TO READ
Light, Serif And Italic Be Word Wise
TYPEFACES ARE MORE • Be concise
Difficult To Read • Use key phrases
• Make a single point
• Less is more
Larry Kless, Production Manager,
National Video Communications Services, Voice: 8-427-3956 or (510) 987-3956
Fax: (510) 873-5034 Email: Larry.Kless@ncal.kaiperm.org
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4. Do's
• Keep text large and legible by using 32 pt for body text, 30 - 45 pt for subtitles and
40 - 48 pt for titles
48 pt serif title:
Times Bold
32 pt sans serif-body text:
Helvetica Bold
• Use sans serif typeface for body text and serif typeface for titles (the opposite of
desktop publishing)
• Use no more than two fonts and only one background per presentation
• Use white text on a dark blue to black background, this works the best readability
from across the room
• Use drop shadows to add depth to text, drop shadows help separate text from the
background
• Use fonts like Zapf Dingbats or Monotype Sorts (example below) as bullets, they are
more expressive than Option-8 (•)
6wxd`vpq' 41S(¥gXX ÅÊv£¤W
Dont's
• Don't use Script fonts, they are too fancy for presentations
• DON'T USE ALL CAPS IT'S TOO HARD TO READ!!
All caps works only for TITLES
Larry Kless, Production Manager,
National Video Communications Services, Voice: 8-427-3956 or (510) 987-3956
Fax: (510) 873-5034 Email: Larry.Kless@ncal.kaiperm.org
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